World-renowned British mountaineer Kenton Cool guided their summit attempt, having himself summited the mountain 12 times.

Weeks of training and acclimatisation; as well as treks to various heights on Everest, have been required in preparation for the climb during Everest’s ‘sweet spot’ in May, which is the safest time to attempt a summit.

In the documentary, viewers will see Pendleton’s attempt take a life-threatening turn for the worst.

The three made several rotations on the mountain, including up to Camp Three, but it was Camp Two (6,400m), at which Pendleton’s health dramatically deteriorated and she started to suffer the effects of hypoxia.

With her oxygen count measuring 21%, where most would record 99-100%, she was advised by medical professionals to abandon the climb. She was put onto oxygen and dextamenthadone to prevent High Altitude Pulmonary Edema.

“Sometimes things don’t go according to plan. Expedition life is about expecting the unexpected. Be prepared for anything. But sometimes it catches you off guard. Climbing Mount Everest is like a game of chess. It keeps you on your toes. It is fraught with risk and in some ways that is why we are here.”

“Our first ‘rotation’ onto the mountain was successful in part, but Victoria Pendleton struggled with the altitude. While she was physically strong, physiologically she struggled to cope with the thin air. Her oxygen saturation was worryingly low. At sea level, most of us would record a healthy 99-100%, anything lower than 95% and you’d probably find yourself in casualty. Victoria registered 21%. That’s nearly dead.”

“It was pretty scary for all of us to say the least. Together Vic and I have climbed peaks around the world in preparation for our Everest summit, and while Victoria has struggled to adapt with the altitude, she has soldiered on. She has been such an inspiration.”Ben Fogle

Fogle had to push on in order to complete this incredible climb, and whilst ultimately successful, it was not without its challenges!

He revealed details of how his oxygen tank exploded while he was in the death zone.

“At 8,000m plus, most people need supplemental oxygen in the thin air. At 8,100m, just north of the Balcony, mine exploded. Luckily for me, Ming Dorjee Sherpa was able to give me his mask, regulator and cylinder and he returned to the South Col without O2.”Ben Fogle

At 8,800m, at a life threatening height, his second regulator exploded on his back.

“To say it was terrifying is an understatement. My heart sank. If I was scuba diving I would have been dead. Luckily, the heroics of @kentoncool, meant that he gave me his only cylinder and mask. Kenton was able to descend to the South Col for an emergency mask.”Ben Fogle

Since this time, it has been revealed that a defective batch of oxygen bottle regulators was released, which affected the summits attempts of a number of teams.

About Toad

Find some fun for a stag and hen party, a bit of adventure for your weekend, or something a bit different for a birthday or team building event.
You choose the challenge and the company you keep, we’ll make the rest of your activity wishes come true. Some fresh air family fun, groups of friends looking for adrenaline-filled action-packed thrills on a stag or hen, or some cosy time together on a bicycle (or kayak or hang glider) for two.